Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Based Drug Delivery Systems

However, recent developments in nanotechnology have revolutionized drug delivery systems through overcoming limitations associated with conventional formulations such as low bioavailability, nonspecific delivery, and toxicity. Nanocarriers, which are usually sized between 1 nm and 100 nm, have distinct physicochemical properties like high surface area-to-volume ratio and modifiable surface chemistry, making them suitable for effective loading and targeted delivery of drugs. A wide variety of nanocarriers such as micelles, liposomes, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, metallic nanoparticles, and quantum dots have been investigated for their capability to increase the bioavailability, stability, and controlled release of pharmacological compounds.Current nanotechnology-based systems use either passive or active targeting methods using the EPR effect or ligand-receptor interactions on the surface of cells to achieve higher drug accumulation at target sites without causing harmful side effects on healthy tissues. Controlled and triggered drug release systems based on stimuli such as pH, temperature, and enzyme action improve the efficacy of treatments. Generally, nanotechnology drug delivery systems are a dynamic area of study that holds promise for transforming drug delivery methods. As technology improves in the future, the drawbacks currently present are likely to be addressed, making the process safer, more efficient, and precise.